While we all wish we were watching the Ravens this weekend, it’ll be nice to have a (mostly) stress-free Super Wild Card weekend. We’re having a little competition here at RSR. We’ll give one point for picking the correct winner, another for getting the score right against the betting line.
Here’s how we see it…
And assorted details, from a few who had more to say…
Rob Shields
Raiders @ Bengals
The Raiders secondary is going to get lit up. The only thing that holds me back some of this game is that this Cincy team is new to the playoffs and you wonder if the lights are too bright. But I’m going with Cincy, 38-28.
NE @ Buffalo
It’s going to be really cold for the game, like single digits cold.  That will favor the team with the better run game and defense.  I’m going NE in a low-scoring game.  NE 20 Buffalo 13
Pitt @ KC
Will Pittsburgh feed Harris the ball? Â If they do, they keep this game closer than people think. Â I know KC blew them out a few weeks ago and if they commit to the run, they can do it again but I think Pitt hangs around a while before KC pulls away. Â KC 30 Pitt 20
Philly @ TB
How good will the Tampa offense be without Godwin and Brown? Â Fournette is just coming back as well. Â I think Philly loses but covers. Â TB 24 Philly 20
SF @ Dallas
Dallas gets the bad draw. San Francisco is playing well. They have won five out of seven and almost beat the Titans in that stretch too. That includes wins at Cincy and over the Rams twice.  The Dallas offense hasn’t been good for a while now.  I’m going with the upset in a defensive game:  SF 20 Dallas 17
Cardinals @ Rams
Two good teams but I trust the Rams a little more. Â Stafford has been very shaky at the end of the season and that has me questioning them some but I think they have enough top end talent to win the game. Â Rams 30 Cardinals 24
Drew Kordula
Raiders +5.5 @ Bengals: 27-24 Bengals (Raiders +5.5)
Back in November, the Bengals handled the Raiders 32-13. Don’t expect that kind of beatdown this week though.
The Raiders have been in playoff mode for a few weeks now and ride a four-game winning streak into this one. I like the Raiders to make them sweat as they are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games as a road underdog, but the Bengals just have too much firepower and will win their first playoff game since 1991 (unfortunately).
Patriots +4 @ Bills: 31-17 Bills (Bills -4)
Nothing would make the Bills Mafia happier than sending the fighting cutoff hoodies home for the offseason. The Bills will be extremely motivated and that place will be rocking on Saturday night.
New England peaked in the middle of the season and have lost three of four to close it out. The ONLY way New England keeps this game close is if they can run the ball as they did in the first matchup between these two teams this season. The Bills will be ready for it so I can’t foresee that happening.
If there was a lock of the week, this would be it. Bills roll.
Eagles +9 @ Bucs: 30-13 Bucs (Bucs -9)
Her Majesty won’t allow the Bucs to lose to Philly right? Tampa boasts a +16.1 average home point differential this season and that will continue on Sunday.
49ers +3.5 @ Cowboys: 24-17 Cowboys (Cowboys -3.5)
Dallas was far and away the best team ATS this season going 13-4. Add to that, the Cowboys average point differential at home was +14.3 and I see this as a recipe for a Dallas cover. Plus, I am just not a believer in the 49ers.
Steelers +12.5 @ Chiefs: 41-20 Chiefs (Chiefs -12.5)
It’s a shame Big Ben’s last game wasn’t in Baltimore. Instead, he’ll travel to Arrowhead and get annihilated by Patrick Mahomes and co. to close out his career. Good riddance.
Cardinals +4 @ Rams: 30-27 Rams (Arizona +4)
I probably went back and forth on this one more than any other games, but when I looked at the stats, I was blown away. Arizona was 8-1 away from home on the season with a +10.8 average point differential on the road. Even with their late season struggles (losing 4 of last 5), I think this will be a close game and come down to who has the ball last. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Arizona pull this one out, but I’m going to have to pick the Rams.
